Abstract: Described is a biological sample carrier based on a rigid hydrophilic object fabricated from a non-absorbing inert porous material. A biological fluid sample applied to the surface of the object is absorbed into the pores and constituents of the biological fluid sample remain in the pores after drying. Unlike a disc punched from a conventional dried blood spot (DBS) card, the object is easily handled. In contrast to DBS cards containing glass fiber structures that interact with basic analytes and other DBS card having adsorbing fibers that tend to separate blood constituents as the sample spreads through the fibers, the biological sample carrier is substantially inert to drug analytes.

Abstract: There is provided a method for quantitatively detecting 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine in an aqueous sample solution with high sensitivity. A method for quantitatively detecting 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine in an aqueous sample solution, including the steps of 1) immobilizing a fluorescent probe molecule showing a fluorescence response specific to 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine on surfaces of fine particles via a spacer unit and bringing the sample solution into contact with the fine particles, and 2) measuring a physical property of the fine particles before and after the contact with the sample solution to determine a change in the physical property.

Abstract: A solid phase for use in separation has been modified using an aqueous phase adsorption of a headgroup-modified lipid to generate analyte specific surfaces for use as a stationary phase in separations such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or solid phase extraction (SPE). The aliphatic moiety of the lipid adsorbs strongly to a hydrophobic solid surface, with the hydrophilic and active headgroups orienting themselves toward the more polar mobile phase, thus allowing for interactions with the desired solutes. The surface modification approach is generally applicable to a diversity of selective immobilization applications such as protein immobilization clinical diagnostics and preparative scale HPLC as demonstrated on capillary-channeled fibers, though the general methodology could be implemented on any hydrophobic solid support material.

Abstract: A magnetizable trap and flow system and process are detailed that uniformly disperse paramagnetic or superparamagnetic analyte capture beads within a scaffold of magnetizable beads or other magnetizable materials in a capture zone that provides selective capture of target analytes. A magnet placed or energized in proximity to the trap may magnetize the magnetizable scaffold and secure the paramagnetic or superparamagnetic analyte capture beads in their uniformly dispersed state within the magnetizable scaffold to provide selective capture of target analytes.

Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The tube and barrier maintain stability of one or more analyte levels, including potassium and glucose, within 10% of their initial values before centrifugation for at least four days.

Abstract: A lipoaspirate collection device to aid in the collection and processing of human tissue and fluid obtained during liposuction for use in point-of-care cell therapy. The collection device includes a collection body and a collection cap. The collection cap may have a fluid port, a lipoaspirate port, a vacuum port, and a relief valve. Within the central cavity of the collection device, a cone shaped may be positioned such that the apex of the cone is positioned underneath the lipoaspirate inlet through which the lipoaspirate fluid and tissue are introduced.

Abstract: A chemical pre-concentrator includes a conduit defining a flow path between two ends and having a heating element disposed within the conduit, such that the heating element has at least one sorbent material deposited directly on at least a portion of a conductive surface of the heating element. Some such heating elements are in the form of electrically conductive strips defining both a plurality of apertures through the strip and a series of undulations spaced along the flow path.

Abstract: A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a distal end covered by a cup having a proximal cup seal extending outward to engage the walls of the vial to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. The distal end of the piston has a piston flange extending outwardly and located adjacent a recess in the piston so the cup forms a snap fit over the piston flange and extends into the recess. The piston flange causes the cup to bulge sufficiently outward to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. A filter is placed in the bottom of the cup and abuts an inwardly extending lip on the cup. The filter is held against the lip by a piston support at the distal end of the piston. A cup support at a distal end of the cup also helps support the filter.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: An acoustic standing wave is utilized to separate components from a multi-component fluid, such as animal cells from fluid-cell mixture, in a fluid flow scheme with an acoustophoresis device. For example, the flow scheme and device allows for trapping of falling cells as the cells coalesce, agglomerate, and the weight of the agglomerated mass overcomes the drag and ultrasonic standing wave forces in the device.

Abstract: For collecting magnetic particles, there is used a magnetic material including a plurality of magnets that are arranged in contact one with another in parallel to a direction of magnetization in such a manner that south and north poles of adjacent magnets are reversed alternately or a magnetic material having at least one peak of a magnetic force in a magnetic pole surface, and the peak magnetic force is 600 gausses or more.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of a separation agent including fibril cellulose for phase separation, as well as to a method for the separation of at least one liquid phase from at least one phase selected from a second liquid phase, solid phase and semi-solid phase, where the method includes the steps of incorporating a separation agent including fibril cellulose to a mixture where separation of the phases is desired, followed by formation of phases and removing the phases.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing the binding of reagents to ligands. In the method a ligand is immobilized on a porous support and incubated with a reagent solution. The binding of the reagent to the ligand is increased by a cycling process of passing the reagent solution through the support multiple times. A device that facilitates the cycling process is disclosed. The invention also provides a method to detect multiple ligands using the cycling process.

Abstract: An indole-based in vivo imaging agent is provided by the present invention that binds with high affinity to PBR, has good uptake into the brain following administration, and which has good selective binding to PBR. The invention also includes a precursor compound useful in the synthesis of the in vivo imaging agent of the invention, as well as a method for synthesis of said in vivo imaging agent comprising use of said precursor compound, and a kit for carrying out said method. Also provided is a cassette for automated synthesis of the in vivo imaging agent. Further aspects of the invention include a radiopharmaceutical composition comprising the in vivo imaging agent of the invention, and methods for the use of said in vivo imaging agent.

Abstract: A sorptive extraction layer for immobilized liquid extraction of target molecules preferably from biological samples is disclosed. The sorptive extraction layer is mainly composed of ethylene-acrylate-copolymer. Preferably, microplate wells are at least partially coated with such a sorptive extraction layer. There is also disclosed a method of extracting target molecules preferably from biological samples. According to this method, immobilized liquid extraction is carried out with a sorptive extraction layer which is mainly composed of ethylene-acrylate-copolymer.

Abstract: A method for assessing a corrosion inhibitor in a coolant, comprises providing a test kit comprising a first chamber containing an acid buffer and a solvent immiscible therein and a second chamber containing an indicator, the second chamber being in fluid communication with the first chamber and being configured such that retraction of the second chamber draws fluid into the first chamber and advancement forces fluid into the second chamber; drawing a coolant sample into the first chamber; contacting the coolant sample with the acid buffer and solvent in the first chamber and extracting the corrosion inhibitor into the solvent; allowing the solvent and buffer to separate in the first chamber; forcing a portion of the separated solvent into the second chamber; contacting the separated solvent with the indicator in the second chamber, and obtaining a visual indication of the presence of corrosion inhibitor in the coolant sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a base (2) and a door (20), said device having a closed door position in which a circuit (8) of the device comprises a bag comprising two flexible films and connectors of the conveying network, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on a front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); and a hinge system hinging said door (20) relative to said base (2), and disposed only on one side of said door (20) so as to form lateral clearances between said door (20) and said base (2) over the rest of a perimeter of said door (20).

Abstract: A method for removing chloride from samples containing volatile organic carbon, wherein a chloride containing sample is mixed with a difficultly volatile acid, wherein hydrochloric acid gas arises, which is present in dissolved form in a sample-acid mixture and then the hydrochloric acid gas is purged by a carrier gas from the sample-acid mixture, wherein the hydrochloric acid gas is removed from the carrier gas following the purging and the carrier gas is fed back to the sample-acid mixture. In order during the hydrochloric acid purging largely to suppress the driving out of easily volatile organic compounds, the sample-acid mixture has a temperature of approximately 3° C. to 30° C., wherein, following the purging from the sample-acid mixture, the hydrochloric acid gas is removed from the carrier gas by absorption with water.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating plasma by which plasma can be separated from a small amount of whole blood cell sample without centrifugation is disclosed. This apparatus includes a blood channel through which blood flows; and a plasma channel through which plasma separated from said blood flows. The plasma channel is arranged at least partially in parallel with said blood channel and the blood channel and the plasma channel are at least partially in contact with each other along the longitudinal direction of the channels. Blood is made to flow at a flow rate at which blood cell components in the blood flowing through the blood channel axially accumulate and at which hemolysis does not occur. The plasma moves to the plasma channel after being separated into a blood cell layer and a plasma layer.

Abstract: A reservoir is supported by a base in a vertical position. A reciprocating member is positioned in the reservoir forming an internal chamber. The chamber receives growth factor starting material through an inlet in the reciprocating member. After the inlet is sealed, the reciprocating member increases the volume of the chamber to apply negative pressure to the growth factor starting material within the chamber to produce activated growth factors. The activated growth factors are extracted from the chamber through an outlet in the reciprocating member. Optionally, the growth factor starting material is held in the chamber to separate into fractions.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the biological fluid collection device is able to separate the plasma portion from the cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid collection device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid collection device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with an anticoagulant. The biological fluid collection device is engageable with a testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid collection device to the testing device. The testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Abstract: A biological fluid separation device that is adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the biological fluid separation device is able to separate a plasma portion from a cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid separation device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid separation device of the present disclosure also provides a closed separation and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The biological fluid separation device is engageable with a blood testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid separation device to the blood testing device. The blood testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing polynucleotides (e.g., DNA) are disclosed. A processing region includes one or more surfaces (e.g., particle surfaces) modified with ligands that retain polynucleotides under a first set of conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) and release the polynucleotides under a second set of conditions (e.g., higher temperature and/or more basic pH). The processing region can be used to, for example, concentrate polynucleotides of a sample and/or separate inhibitors of amplification reactions from the polynucleotides. Microfluidic devices with a processing region are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting microbial contamination of a liquid specimen comprising a device for concentrating micro-organisms from a liquid specimen, having (i) a hypobaric chamber, (ii) a filter housing comprising a liquid-permeable bed of an adsorbent material and adapted for being fluidly connected to said hypobaric chamber, and (iii) a vacuum pump adapted for being fluidly connected to said hypobaric chamber, said system further comprising a kit for detection of micro-organisms adsorbed to said adsorbent material, wherein said kit is based on enzymatic detection using chromogenic and/or fluorescent substrate analogs.

Abstract: A device comprising a channel comprising at least one surface wherein the surface comprises a fluid-impervious base surface covered by a coating beginning at a proximal location and ending at a distal location along the at least one surface of the channel, the coating forming a surface energy gradient from the proximal location to the distal location on the surface, wherein the coating comprises a species having a functional group M1 and a species having a functional group M2 where M1 and M2 have different surface energies, wherein the functional group M2 comprises an amide or amine group, and the concentration of the species comprising functional group M2 in the coating increases relative to the concentration of the species comprising functional group M1 from the proximal location to the distal location on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting microbial contamination of a liquid specimen comprising a device for concentrating micro-organisms from a liquid specimen, having (i) a hyperbaric chamber, (ii) a filter housing comprising a liquid-permeable bed of an adsorbent material and adapted for being fluidly connected to the hyperbaric chamber, and (iii) a manner for pressurizing the hyperbaric chamber. The system also comprises a kit for detection of micro-organisms adsorbed to the adsorbent material, wherein the kit is based on enzymatic detection using chromogenic and/or fluorescent substrate analogues.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel radiolabelled aryloxyalinine derivative suitable for in vivo imaging. In comparison to known aryloxyalinine derivative in vivo imaging agents, the in vivo imaging agent of the present invention has better properties for in vivo imaging. The in vivo imaging agent of the present invention demonstrates good selective binding to the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), in combination with good brain uptake and in vivo kinetics following administration to a subject.

Abstract: A device and a method for isolating a target from a sample are provided. The target is bound to solid phase substrate to form a target bound solid phase substrate. The device includes a first plate having a first region for receiving at least a portion of the sample. A second plate is spaced from the first plate by a distance and has a first region for receiving a reagent. A force attracts the target bound solid phase substrate toward the first region of the second plate such that the target bound solid phase substrate in the portion of the sample are drawn through the air gap and into the reagent by the force.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present techniques provide systems and methods for isolating particular classes of biological molecules, for example, proteins or nucleic acids, from mixtures of biological components. The methods use solutions that react with the biological molecules to enhance their adsorption by substrates, allowing contaminants to be washed away from the targeted molecules. Embodiments include automated systems that can be used to implement the technique with no or minimal intervention. Other embodiments include separation column technologies that may be used in the techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for the concentration of one or more target analytes contained in a urine sample. The device comprises a tube comprising an upper portion defining an opening for receiving the urine sample and a lower tapered portion terminating in a collection reservoir. The tube contains a predetermined amount of a particulate binding agent which specifically binds the one or more target analytes and of a predetermined amount of a binding buffer. The device comprises means for sealing the opening of the tube. The present invention further provides methods and kits for concentrating one or more target analytes in a urine sample.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: A high pressure extraction apparatus and extracting method therefor are adapted to maintain a medium at the supercritical state to extract substance-to-be-extracted. The apparatus includes an extraction tank, a piston and a control unit. The control unit controls the piston to reciprocate in the extraction tank as well as controls the pressure of the extract space of the tank, feeding of the substance, discharge of extract, and discharge of leftover. Accordingly, the apparatus performs a continuous supercritical extraction.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a cargo container can be monitored at appropriate time intervals to determine that no controlled substances have been shipped with the cargo in the container. The monitoring utilizes reactive species produced from an atmospheric analyzer to ionize analyte molecules present in the container which are then analyzed by an appropriate spectroscopy system. In an embodiment of the invention, a sorbent surface can be used to absorb, adsorb or condense analyte molecules within the container whereafter the sorbent surface can be interrogated with the reactive species to generate analyte species characteristic of the contents of the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the synthesis of 18F-labelled biomolecules, which is amenable to automation. The present invention also provides a cassette for automating the method of the invention. The method of the present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art methods. One less purification step is required as compared with known methods. Also, in a preferred embodiment, one less reagent is required as a particular reagent is employed in two different steps. The chemistry process is thereby simplified, the cost of goods is reduced and the burden of validation and documentation of reagents required for GMP clinical production is minimised.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for reuse and/or recycling of internally dyed particles useful for multiplex assays of target analytes.

Abstract: A pretreatment device applied in sampling and providing a reaction space for biochemical reaction is disclosed. The pretreatment device includes a quantitative sampler being capable of collecting a constant volume of a sample; a devastating device having a hollow cylindrical structure coupled to the quantitative sampler to damage a thin-film like protective membrane of the quantitative sampler such that the reaction reagent flows out of the reagent container; a reaction device having a tubular structure and providing the reaction space for biochemical reaction of the reaction reagent and the sample; a hollow ring-shaped structure to position and stable the connection of the devastating device and the quantitative sampler with the hollow ring-shaped structure being coupled to the reaction device; and an anti-drain device preventing the reaction reagent and the sampler from flowing out before the biochemical reaction is completed.

Abstract: The disclosure related to a method and system to separate a subgroup of objects from a mixture of objects present in a suspension wherein said suspension if exposed to acoustic forces acting in one or two dimensions, which forces said objects to separate from each other into groups which have similar properties in connection with size and/or mass density and/or compressibility.

Abstract: A sample collection container and a cartridge system employ reagent bodies having reagents confined by a restraining agent. The sample collection container comprises one or more reagent bodies, each having one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent. The restraining agent is capable of being broken down to release the reagents which are dispersed through the restraining agent. The cartridge system comprises a reagent component for storing reagents and a processing component for processing the reagents in an assay. At least one of the components includes one or more reagent bodies, each having one or more reagents confined by a restraining agent capable of being broken down. The reagent component and the processing component are configured to be coupled together to form a cartridge, the reagent component and/or the processing component having at least one compartment to accept waste from the assay.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to separate, enrich, and/or purify a cellular population from a biological tissue, such as a tissue sample. For example, an adipose tissue sample can be acquired and disrupted. The disrupted tissue sample can then be separated and purified. The separated components can include multipotent, pluripotent, or other cell populations.

Abstract: A device (1) for extracting an extraction material, in particular for solid-phase micro-extraction, comprises an extractor (130) and a tip (100) for penetrating a separating layer, wherein the extractor (130) is connected to the tip (100). In a method for extracting an extraction material from a container with an extraction device (1), a separating layer of the container is penetrated by a tip (100) of an extractor (130), and the extraction material is extracted.

Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for spacing droplets from each other and for detection of spaced droplets.

Abstract: A cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction includes a body having at least one flow path formed therein. The cartridge also includes a reaction vessel extending from the body for holding a reaction mixture for chemical reaction and optical detection. The vessel comprises a rigid frame defining the side walls of a reaction chamber. The frame includes at least one channel connecting the flow path to the chamber. The vessel also includes flexible films or sheets attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form opposing major walls of the chamber. In addition, at least two of the side walls are optically transmissive and angularly offset from each to permit real-time optical detection of analyte in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An assembly that utilizes reusable sheaths for covering magnetic rods for collecting particles in an inverse magnetic particle process. The magnetic rod is removed from the reusable sheath to release particles at the same or a different location. The reusable sheaths can be assembled in a cylindrical plate, which can be rotated to position a clean sheath for each step of the inverse magnetic particle process. When not being used for particle separation, the sheaths can be washed of potentially contaminating solution in wash receptacles.

Abstract: Described is an affinity microcolumn comprising a high surface area material, which has high flow properties and a low dead volume, contained within a housing and having affinity reagents bound to the surface of the high surface area material that are either activated or activatable. The affinity reagents bound to the surface of the affinity microcolumn further comprise affinity receptors for the integration into high throughput analysis of biomolecules.

Abstract: A large volume preconcentrator device for concentrating analytes. A housing accepts an analyte vapor flow, and a plurality of collection surfaces are disposed within the housing. A selectively actuatable heater is disposed on each of the plurality of collection surfaces. At least one selectively actuatable damper is disposed within the housing for selectively restricting a collection flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purification of nucleic acids, to a kit for performing the method according to the invention and to a new application of magnetic particles for purification of a biological sample. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: a) accommodating of the sample in a first sample vessel in an aqueous solution and lysing of the sample under non-chaotropic conditions; suspending of first magnetic particles in the solution and inserting of the first sample vessel in a sample vessel holder, wherein the sample vessel is inserted in the annular interior space of a ring magnet associated with the sample vessel holder; separating of the solution from the magnetic particles; and isolating of the nucleic acids from the solution.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chromatography column and a method for isolating nucleic acid molecules. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a double-layer column of a first anion exchange membrane and a second serially coupled silica membrane. Upon flowing a nucleic acid-containing solution through the first anion exchange membrane, the nucleic acid binds to and then elutes from the first membrane. The eluted solution then flows serially through the second silica membrane, which the nucleic acid binds to and then elutes from. Due to this novel serial coupled double-layer principle, the present invention is particularly suitable for co-isolating RNA and DNA, for isolating nucleic acid embraced by proteins, e.g., viruses, and for isolating diluted nucleic acid in a large volume, e.g., plasma. In addition, the eluted nucleic acid is ready for downstream applications.

Abstract: Magnetic actuators comprising at least one shielded rotatable magnet are presented. Systems comprising such magnetic actuators and methods for using such magnetic actuators to isolate magnetic particles in a fluid are also presented.

Abstract: A clinical diagnostic sample analyzer for analyzing a sample of a patient is disclosed. The analyzer includes a telescoping closed-tube sampling assembly with a sample probe concentrically housed within a piercing probe and a venting mechanism. The closed-tube sampling assembly is used for aspirating a sample from a sample tube for analysis by a clinical diagnostic sample analyzer.